Methods and apparatus for providing linear erasure codes

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for providing linear erasure codes. In one aspect, a method is provided for encoding a set of data values into a code symbol. The method includes determining an index sequence that defines selected data values to be used to generate the code symbol, and determining a value sequence that defines factors to be multiplied by the selected data values to generate the code symbol. The method also includes generating a packet header that describes the index sequence and the value sequence.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119

The present Application for Patent claims priority to ProvisionalApplication No. 60/660,875, filed Mar. 10, 2005, and assigned to theassignee hereof and hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present application relates generally to the operation of datanetworks, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for providinglinear erasure codes.

2. Background

In typical wireless delivery systems, content is delivered to portabledevices over a multicast transmission channel. The content is in theform of code packets that are coded to overcome packet losses that mayoccur as packets are transmitted over the transmission channel. Anencoder at a transmitter takes the original data packets and producescode packets that are transmitted to one or more devices. Because ofnoise or other degrading transmission effects, a subset of the codepackets is received at any particular device. The received code packetsare decoded to recover the original data packets.

Typically, the packet format for use for erasure recovery codescomprises a packet header and packet payload that contains the actualcoded data. Conventional systems utilize a different packet headerformat for each type of erasure code that is used. Unfortunately, thisapproach is not flexible and does not scale well. For example, if a newencoding type is utilized, then the receivers cannot process thoseencoded packets without first being updated with special knowledge abouthow to process the packets. Furthermore, it may be desirable to combinedifferent coding techniques in order to solve or compensate for certaintransmission conditions. However, in conventional systems it isgenerally not possible to combine different coding schemes.

Therefore, what is needed is a system that operates to provide linearerasure encoding that is flexible, scalable, and allows new orcombinations of coding schemes without requiring receiving devices to beupdated with special knowledge about the encoding scheme being used.

SUMMARY

In one or more embodiments, a coding system, comprising methods andapparatus, is provided that operates to provide linear erasure codingfor coding data in a communication system. For example, embodiments ofthe coding system operate to represent linear coding schemes in ageneral format that can be easily decoded by receiving devices withouthaving special knowledge of the coding scheme being used. As a result,the coding system allows for the combination of a variety of code typesto solve any transmission condition.

In one aspect, a method is provided for encoding a set of data valuesinto a code symbol. The method comprises determining an index sequencethat defines selected data values to be used to generate the codesymbol, and determining a value sequence that defines factors to bemultiplied by the selected data values to generate the code symbol. Themethod also comprises generating a packet header that describes theindex sequence and the value sequence.

In one aspect, an apparatus is provided for encoding a set of datavalues into a code symbol. The apparatus comprises encoding logicconfigured to determine an index sequence that defines selected datavalues to be used to generate the code symbol and to determine a valuesequence that defines factors to be multiplied by the selected datavalues to generate the code symbol. The apparatus also comprises outputlogic configured to generate a packet header that describes the indexsequence and value sequence.

In one aspect, an apparatus for encoding a set of data values into acode symbol. The apparatus comprises means for determining an indexsequence that defines selected data values to be used to generate thecode symbol, and means for determining a value sequence that definesfactors to be multiplied by the selected data values to generate thecode symbol;. The apparatus also comprises means for generating a packetheader that describes the index sequence and the value sequence.

In one aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided that has acomputer program, which when executed by at least one processor,operates to encode a set of data values into a code symbol. The computerprogram comprises instructions for determining an index sequence thatdefines selected data values to be used to generate the code symbol, andinstructions for determining a value sequence that defines factors to bemultiplied by the selected data values to generate the code symbol. Thecomputer program also comprises instructions for generating a packetheader that describes the index sequence and the value sequence.

In one aspect, at least one processor is provided that is configured toperform a method for encoding a set of data values into a code symbol.The method comprises determining an index sequence that defines selecteddata values to be used to generate the code symbol, and determining avalue sequence that defines factors to be multiplied by the selecteddata values to generate the code symbol. The method also comprisesgenerating a packet header that describes the index sequence and thevalue sequence.

In one aspect, a method is provided for decoding a code packet into aset of data values. The method comprises obtaining a packet header and apacket payload from the code packet, and determining an index sequenceand a value sequence from the packet header. The method also comprisesdecoding the packet payload based on the index sequence and the valuesequence to produce the set of data values.

In one aspect, an apparatus is provided for decoding a code packet intoa set of data values. The apparatus comprises extraction logicconfigured to obtain a packet header and a packet payload from the codepacket, and index sequence logic configured to determine an indexsequence from the packet header. The apparatus also comprises valuesequence logic configured to determine a value sequence from the packetheader, and decoding logic configured to decode the packet payload basedon the index sequence and the value sequence to produce the set of datavalues.

In one aspect, an apparatus is provided for decoding a code packet intoa set of data values. The apparatus comprises means for obtaining apacket header and a packet payload from the code packet, and means fordetermining an index sequence and a value sequence from the packetheader. The apparatus also comprises means for decoding the packetpayload based on the index sequence and the value sequence to producethe set of data values.

In one aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided that has acomputer program, which when executed by at least one processor,operates to decode a code packet to produce a set of data values. Thecomputer program comprises instructions for obtaining a packet headerand a packet payload from the code packet, and instructions fordetermining an index sequence and a value sequence from the packetheader. The computer program also comprises instructions for decodingthe packet payload based on the index sequence and the value sequence toproduce the set of data values.

In one aspect, at least one processor is provided that is configured toperform a method for decoding a code packet into a set of data values.The method comprises obtaining a packet header and a packet payload fromthe code packet, and determining an index sequence and a value sequencefrom the packet header. The method also comprises decoding the packetpayload based on the index sequence and the value sequence to producethe set of data values.

Other aspects of the embodiments will become apparent after review ofthe hereinafter set forth Brief Description of the Drawings,Description, and the Claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects of the embodiments described herein will becomemore readily apparent by reference to the following detailed descriptionwhen taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a network that comprises one embodiment of a coding system;

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of an encoder for use in embodiments of acoding system;

FIG. 3 shows a graphical representation that illustrates how a linearcode operates to generate a code symbol in embodiments of a codingsystem;

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of a packet header for use in embodiments ofa coding system;

FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of a table that illustratesVALUE_SEQUENCE_TYPES for use in embodiments of a coding system;

FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of a table that illustratesINDEX_SEQUENCE_TYPES for use in embodiments of a coding system;

FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of a method for operating an encoder for usein embodiments of a coding system;

FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of a decoder for use in a embodiments of acoding system;

FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of a method for operating a decoder for usein embodiments of a coding system;

FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of an encoder for use in embodiments of acoding system; and

FIG. 11 shows one embodiment of a decoder for use in embodiments of acoding system.

DESCRIPTION

In one or more embodiments, a coding system is provided that operates torepresent linear coding schemes in a general format that can be easilydecoded by receiving devices without having special knowledge of thecoding scheme being used. For example, the system is suitable to encodedata for transmission over a wireless communication network. The systemis especially well suited for use in wireless network environments, butmay be used in any type of network environment, including but notlimited to, communication networks, public networks, such as theInternet, private networks, such as virtual private networks (VPN),local area networks, wide area networks, long haul networks, or anyother type of data network.

FIG. 1 shows a network 100 that comprises one embodiment of a codingsystem. The network 100 comprises a server 102 that is in communicationwith a device 104 utilizing a data network 106. In one embodiment, theserver 102 operates to communicate with the network 106 using any typeof communication link 108. The network 106 may be any type of wiredand/or wireless network. The network 106 communicates with the device104 using any suitable type of wireless communication link 110. Theserver 102 operates to transmit content and/or services to the device104. Although only one device is shown, the system is suitable for usewith any number or types of devices.

In one embodiment, the server 102 comprises coding selection logic 112that operates to select a coding type based on any selected networkcharacteristic. For example, the coding selection logic 112 may operateto monitor various transmission or traffic conditions of the network 106and select a coding type based on those conditions. For example, thenetwork may be experiencing lossy transmission conditions due to signalfading or other degrading effects. The coding selection logic 112operates to detect these transmission conditions (or is provided thisinformation by another entity) and based on this information providescoding selection parameters to an encoder 114.

The encoder 114 operates to receive data for transmission over thenetwork 106 and encode this data to produce code packets. In oneembodiment, the encoder 114 encodes the data using one or more linearerasure codes so that when the generated code packets are transmittedover the network 106 it will be possible for a receiving device torecover lost code packets. In one embodiment, the encoder 114 operatesto select an encoding scheme based on the coding selection parametersreceived from the coding selection logic 112.

In one embodiment, the encoder 114 operates to encode data to produce acode packet that comprises a packet header 116 and packet payload 118.The packet header 116 provides information about the linear erasure codeused to encode the data. The payload 118 comprises the encoded data. Amore detailed description of the operation of the encoder 114 isprovided in another section of this document.

In one or more embodiments, the encoder 114 operates to encode the datausing any type of linear encoding scheme. The packet header 116 isgenerated to fully describe whatever encoding scheme is utilized. Thus,the packet header can convey that the data was encoded usingReed-Solomon coding, LDPC coding, LDGM coding, Repetition coding, Turbocoding or any other type of linear coding scheme. The encoder 114 isalso operable to encoding data using any combination of the above codingschemes or any new type of linear encoding scheme, and the packet header116 is able to fully describe the encoding scheme used. This allowsencoding schemes to be selected based on various network conditions toprovide a flexible coding system. Furthermore, since the packet headerfully describes the coding scheme used, the system is scalable since newcoding schemes may be utilized without having to update receivingdevices in order for them to process received code packets. This allowsthe sender to effectively combine different coding schemes or use newcoding schemes to take advantage of their properties without having toupdate receiving devices.

After code packets are generated by the encoder 114, they aretransmitted to the device 104 over the network 106 as shown by path 120.When the device 104 receives the code packets, it uses its decoder 122to decode the packet header 116 to determine how the data was encoded.The decoder 122 then decodes the code packets to obtain the data byreversing the coding scheme described by the packet header 116. Thus,the device 104 does not need any special knowledge about the encodingscheme used because the packet header 116 provides all the informationthat is necessary to decode the received code packets.

Therefore, embodiments of the coding system operate to flexibly andscalably encode data for transmission over a network. It should be notedthat the network 100 is just one implementation and that otherimplementations are possible within the scope of the embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of an encoder 200 for use in embodiments ofa coding system. For example, the encoder 200 is suitable for use as theencoder 114 shown in FIG. 1. The encoder 200 comprises encoding logic202, data input logic 240, code packet output logic 206, and codingselection logic 208 that are all coupled to an internal data bus 210.

The data input logic 204 comprises hardware logic and/or software thatoperate to allow the encoder 200 to receive data to be encoded. Forexample, in one embodiment, data input logic 204 operates to receivedata through a data channel 212 that comprises any suitable type ofcommunication channel 214 to allow the data input logic 204 to receivedata to be encoded.

In one or more embodiments, the encoding logic 202 comprises a CPU,processor, gate array, hardware logic, memory elements, virtual machine,software, and/or any combination of hardware and software. In oneembodiment, the encoding logic 202 operates to encode received datausing a selected linear erasure code. A more detailed discussion of theencoding logic 202 is provided in another section of this document.Thus, the encoding logic 202 generally comprises logic to encode dataand to control one or more other functional elements of the encoder 200via the internal data bus 210.

The code packet output logic 206 comprises logic configured to outputcode packets for transmission over a network. For example, once data isencoded by the encoding logic 202, code packets comprising a packetheader and packet payload are provided to the output logic 206. Theoutput logic 206 then outputs the code packets to transmission logic(not shown) using the communication link 214.

The coding selection logic 208 comprises hardware and/or softwareconfigured to detect or receive encoding selection parameters, such asnetwork performance parameters. These parameters are input to theencoding logic 202, which uses them to select an encoding scheme withwhich to encode the data.

During operation of one or more embodiments, the data input logic 204receives data to be encoded for transmission. The coding selection logic208 receives coding selection parameters that are used to determine anencoding scheme used by the encoding logic 202 to encode the data. Theencoding logic 202 encodes the data according to the determined encodingscheme to produce encoded data and a packet header that describes theencoding scheme. Encoded packets comprising the packet header andpayload are then output by the code packet output logic 206.

In one embodiment, the coding system comprises one or more programinstructions (“program instructions”) stored on a computer-readablemedium, which when executed by at least one processor, for instance, theencoding logic 202, provides the functions described herein. Forexample, the program instructions may be loaded into the encoder 200from a computer-readable medium, such as a floppy disk, CDROM, memorycard, FLASH memory device, RAM, ROM, or any other type of memory deviceor computer-readable medium that interfaces to the encoder 200. Inanother embodiment, the instructions may be downloaded into the encoder200 from an external device or network resource. The programinstructions, when executed by the encoding logic 202, provideembodiments of a coding system as described herein.

As a result, embodiments of the coding system operate to receive dataand encode the data using a selected linear erasure scheme to producecode packets for transmission over a lossy transmission channel. Thus,embodiments of the coding system operate to provide a flexible andscalable coding system because the packet header describes the codingscheme for receiving devices. Thus, the receiving devices are able todecode any scheme that may be utilized by reversing the coding schemedescribed by the packet header.

Encoding Logic Operation

The following is a detailed description of the operation of oneembodiment of the encoding logic 202.

FIG. 3 shows a graphical representation 300 that illustrates how alinear code operates to generate a code symbol in embodiments of acoding system. All linear code symbols are linear combinations of datasymbols. The nodes on the left represent the data symbols 302 and thenode on the right is a code symbol 304. An edge 306 is drawn from thecode symbol 304 to one of the data symbols 302 if that data symbol is tobe used to generate the code symbol 304. Associated with each edge is alabel (or value) that represents a factor that is multiplied by the datasymbol to become part of the code symbol. For example, the edge 306 hasa label a^(r) which is the factor multiplying the data symbol d₂, whichwill then be used to generate the code symbol 304.

In one or more embodiments, any linear code symbol can be represented bytwo sequences, namely; a value sequence (VALUE_SEQUENCE) and an indexsequence (INDEX_SEQUENCE). The VALUE_SEQUENCE specifies a sequence oflabels (or factors) associated with the edges. The INDEX_SEQUENCEspecifies the data indices that are picked to generate the code symbol.In the graphical representation 300, the INDEX_SEQUENCE comprises asequence of integers from 1 thru k.

The number of edges leaving a code symbol is called the code weight(CODE_WEIGHT). In the graphical representation 300, the CODE_WEIGHT isequal to k because there are k edges leaving the code symbol 304.

Example Codes

The following is a description of several coding techniques that may beprovided by embodiments of the coding system. It should be noted thatthe examples below illustrate some, but not all, of the linear codesthat can be provided by embodiments of the coding system.

1. Reed-Solomon (RS) Code

In one or more embodiments, the coding system is operable to encode datausing RS coding. For example, the encoding logic 202 operates to provideRS coding as follows.

A RS code symbol C can be written as;$C = {\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{k}{( \alpha^{r} ){{}_{}^{}{}_{}^{}}}}$where k is the number of data symbols used to generate a code symbol C,d_(i) are the data symbols, r is a code parameter, and a is a primitiveelement of an appropriate Galois Field (GF). It will be assumed for thisdescription that GF(256) is used for codes of interest.

In this embodiment, the INDEX_SEQUENCE comprises the values of k thatrepresent the edges leaving the code symbol C. The VALUE_SEQUENCEcomprises the values of a^(r) which are the factors multiplying the datasymbols associated with each edge leaving the code symbol C. TheCODE_WEIGHT is equal to the total number of edges (k) that leave thecode symbol C.

Therefore, the encoding logic 202 operates to encode data according tothe above equation and generates the associated CODE_WEIGHT,VALUE_SEQUENCE, and INDEX_SEQUENCE parameters. These parameters are thenincorporated into a packet header as described in another section ofthis document.

2. Low Density Generator Matrix Code

In one or more embodiments, the coding system is operable to encode datausing Low Density Generator Matrix (LDGM) coding. For example, LDGMcodes may be generated in the following manner. A CODE_WEIGHT is pickedusing some function. A number of data symbols totaling the CODE_WEIGHTare picked from all the data symbols. An example of how this is done isto initialize a data symbol number generator with an initial seed value(SEED). The data symbol number generator is then invoked CODE_WEIGHTtimes to generate numbers that are used to identify the data symbols.These data symbols are then combined using an exclusive-or (XOR)operation. As a linear operation, XOR is the same as addition in theGalois Field GF(256) and the multiplying factor is 1.

Therefore, as a result of the operation of the encoding system, aVALUE_SEQUENCE is generated to provide LDGM coding where the multiplyingfactor for all edges is a constant (1). The INDEX_SEQUENCE is generatedby the operation of the data symbol number generator where each index isbased on a particular output of the data symbol number generator and isassociated with a particular edge.

In one embodiment, the encoding logic 202 operates to encode dataaccording to the above description and generates the associatedCODE_WEIGHT, VALUE_SEQUENCE, and INDEX_SEQUENCE parameters. Theseparameters are then incorporated into a packet header as described inanother section of this document.

3. Repetition Code Example

In one or more embodiments, the coding system is operable to encode datausing repetition coding where the data symbols are repeated in around-robin fashion. In this case, the CODE_WEIGHT is 1 for all the codesymbols. The VALUE_SEQUENCE is a constant (1), and the INDEX_SEQUENCEhas only one entry and that is the index of the data symbol.

In one embodiment, the encoding logic 202 operates to encode dataaccording to the above description and generates the associatedCODE_WEIGHT, VALUE_SEQUENCE, and INDEX_SEQUENCE parameters. Theseparameters are then incorporated into a packet header as described inanother section of this document.

Thus, the coding system is operable to generate the CODE_WEIGHT,VALUE_SEQUENCE, and INDEX_SEQUENCE parameters to provide virtually anytype of linear coding. It should be noted that the coding system is notlimited to the above coding schemes and that it is also possibleimplement other coding schemes and to combine one or more coding schemesto linearly encode data. In this case the encoding logic 202 operates togenerate the corresponding CODE_WEIGHT, VALUE_SEQUENCE, andINDEX_SEQUENCE parameters that are then included into the packet header.

Packet Header Generation

In one or more embodiments, the coding system operates to generate apacket header that describes how a set of data symbols are linearlycoded to produce a code symbol. For example, the encoding logic 202operates to encode data according to any linear encoding scheme andgenerate the corresponding packet header as described below. Thegenerated packet header can then be attached to the code symbols(payload) to form a code packet that is transmitted over a wirelesstransmission channel. Any receiving device can then decode the packetheader to determine the coding process and undue that process to recoverthe data from the coded symbols.

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of a packet header 400 for use inembodiments of a coding system. For example, in one embodiment, thepacket header 400 is generated by the operation of the encoding logic202. The packet header 400 comprises a table that includes field names402 and associated field types 404.

In one embodiment, the field names 402 comprise CODE_WEIGHT 406,VALUE_SEQUENCE_TYPE 408, INDEX_SEQUENCE_TYPE 410, VALUE_SEQUENCE_INFO412, and INDEX_SEQUENCE_INFO 414 parameters. The field type 404comprises a parameter of a selected size associated with a particularfield name 404. A more detailed description of the various field namesis provided below.

FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of a table 500 that illustratesVALUE_SEQUENCE_TYPES for use in embodiments of a coding system. Forexample, parameters shown in table 500 may be used for theVALUE_SEQUENCE_TYPE 408 shown in FIG. 4. Furthermore, each of theVALUE_SEQUENCE_TYPES shown in table 500 is associated with selectedVALUE_SEQUENCE_INFO 412 parameters.

The table 500 comprises a name field 502 and an associated value field504. The name field 502 comprises names for differentVALUE_SEQUENCE_TYPES and each of those is associated with a particularvalue in the value field 504. The following is a description of thedifferent VALUE_SEQUENCE_TYPES and associated VALUE_SEQUENCE_INFO 412parameters.

VALUE_CONSTANT

If the VALUE_SEQUENCE_TYPE field 408 is set to VALUE_CONSTANT (i.e., 1),then the VALUE_SEQUENCE_INFO field 412 is set to the constant value tobe used. For example, if all the edge values are set to be set 1, thenthe VALUE_SEQUENCE_INFO field is set to a value of 1.

VALUE_RS_LIKE

If the VALUE_SEQUENCE_TYPE field 408 is set to VALUE_RS_LIKE (i.e., 2),then the VALUE_SEQUENCE_INFO field 412 is set to “r” such that a^(r)εGF(256) is the generator of the Reed-Solomon code word. 4

VALUE_RANDOM

If the VALUE_SEQUENCE_TYPE field 408 is set to VALUE_RANDOM (i.e., 3),then the VALUE_SEQUENCE_INFO field 412 is set to the seed value used toinitialize the random number generator that generates the sequencevalues. It is assumed that the random number generator used by areceiving device is the same as the random number generator used by theencoding logic 202.

FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of a table 600 that illustratesINDEX_SEQUENCE_TYPES for use in embodiments of a coding system. Forexample, parameters shown in table 600 may be used for theINDEX_SEQUENCE_TYPE 410 shown in FIG. 4. Furthermore, each of theINDEX_SEQUENCE_TYPES shown in table 600 is associated with selectedINDEX_SEQUENCE_INFO 414 parameters.

The table 600 comprises a name field 602 and an associated value field604. The name field 602 comprises names for differentINDEX_SEQUENCE_TYPES and each of those is associated with a particularvalue in the value field 604. The following is a description of thedifferent INDEX_SEQUENCE_TYPES and associated INDEX_SEQUENCE_INFO 414parameters.

INDEX_LINEAR

If the INDEX_SEQUENCE_TYPE field 410 is set to INDEX_LINEAR, (i.e., 1)then the INDEX_SEQUENCE_INFO field 414 comprises one of the followingparameters.

-   a. INDEX_INITIAL

The INDEX_INITIAL parameter is the index of the first data packet usedto generate the code packet.

-   b. INDEX_STEP    -   The INDEX_STEP parameter is the index step size used to generate        the code packet. The set of indices used to generate the code        packet can be expressed as follows.        (INDEX_INITIAL+i*INDEX_STEP)mod ulo(k),i=0,1, . . .        ,CODE_WEIGHT−1        INDEX_MAPPED

If the INDEX_SEQUENCE_TYPE field 410 is set to INDEX_MAPPED (i.e., 2),then each edge has a unique edge index and edge indices are mapped intodata packet indices. The INDEX_SEQUENCE_INFO field 414 comprises anINITIAL_EDGE_INDEX parameter.

The INITIAL_EDGE_INDEX parameter is the index of the first edge of thecode packet. The edge indices are calculated as follows.(INITIAL_EDGE_INDEX+i),i=0,1, . . . ,CODE_WEIGHT−1and the data index is some function (map) of the edge index. It isassumed that the same mapping function is used by the receiving deviceand the encoding logic 202.INDEX_LDGM

If the INDEX_SEQUENCE_TYPE field 410 is set to INDEX_LDGM (i.e., 3), theINDEX_SEQUENCE_INFO field 414 comprises an INITIAL_SEED parameter.

The INITIAL_SEED parameter is the value used to initialize the datasymbol number generator to generate the index sequence. It is assumedthat the data symbol number generator used by the receiving device isthe same as that used by the encoding logic 202.

Thus, embodiments of the coding system operate to encode data usingvirtually any linear code and to generate a packet header that describesthe linear coding that was used.

FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of a method 700 for operating an encoder foruse in embodiments of a coding system. For clarity, the method 700 isdescribed herein with reference to the encoder 200 shown in FIG. 2. Forexample, in one embodiment, the encoding logic 202 executesmachine-readable instructions to perform the functions described below.

At block 702, a code weight value is determined. For example, theencoding logic 202 determines a code weight value to provide a selectedtype of linear coding with which to encode data. For example, the codeweight value describes how many edge structures are output from a codesymbol.

At block 704, an index sequence is determined. In one embodiment, theencoding logic 202 determines an index sequence that describes what datavalues will be used to generate a code symbol. For example, the totalnumber of index sequence values is equal to the code weight value. Inone embodiment, the index sequence is described by index sequence type(410) and index sequence info (414) parameters as described above.

At block 706, a value sequence is determined. In one embodiment, theencoding logic 202 determines a value sequence that describes factorsthat will be multiplied by the data values to generate a code symbol.For example, the total number of value sequence values is equal to thecode weight value. In one embodiment, the value sequence is described byvalue sequence type (408) and value sequence info (412) parameters asdescribed above.

At block 708, the data is encoded according to the selected codingscheme. For example, the encoding logic 202 operates to encode the dataand generate a packet header that describes how the data was encoded.For example, the packet header is as shown in FIG. 4.

At block 710, a code packet is assembled that comprises a packet headerand payload. For example, the code packet output logic 206 operates togenerate a code packet that comprises the packet header and encoded dataas a payload.

At block 712, the code packet is transmitted to one or more receivingdevices. For example, the code packet output logic 206 outputs the codepacket to transmission logic that operates to transmit the code packetover a wireless network to one or more devices.

At block 714, a test is performed to determine if any adjustments to thecoding scheme need to be performed. In one embodiment, the codeselection logic 208 operates to determine a coding scheme based on oneor more network characteristics, such as network transmission or trafficcharacteristics. The code selection logic 208 then provides codeselection parameters to the encoding logic 202 that operate to define aparticular coding scheme to be used to encode the data. The codeselection parameters may be in any format and may specify a codingscheme using any type of code identifiers.

If there are no adjustments to the current coding scheme, then themethod proceeds to block 708 to continue coding data for transmission.If there are adjustments to the coding scheme, then the method proceedsto block 702 where new coding factors are determined so that theencoding of the data can be adjusted to accommodate selected networkcharacteristics.

Thus, the method 700 operates to provide one embodiment of a codingsystem. It should be noted that the method 700 represents just oneimplementation and that other implementations are possible within thescope of the embodiments.

FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of a decoder 800 suitable for use in areceiving device in embodiments of a coding system. For example, thedecoder 800 is suitable for use as the decoder 122 shown in FIG. 1. Thedecoder 800 comprises decoding logic 802, code weight extraction logic804, value sequence logic 806, index sequence logic 808, and data outputlogic 810 all coupled to a data bus 812.

The code weight extraction logic 804 comprises any combination ofhardware and/or software and operates to receive a code packet 814 andextract a code weight value from a packet header. For example, in oneembodiment, the packet header is formatted as the packet header 400shown in FIG. 4, and code weight value is the code weight value 406.

The value sequence logic 806 comprises any combination of hardwareand/or software and operates to generate a value sequence from a packetheader included in the code packet 814. For example, in one embodiment,the packet header is formatted as the packet header 400 shown in FIG. 4,and value sequence is derived from the value sequence type 408 and thevalue sequence info 412 as described above.

The index sequence logic 808 comprises any combination of hardwareand/or software and operates to generate an index sequence from a packetheader included in the code packet 814. For example, in one embodiment,the packet header is formatted as the packet header 400 shown in FIG. 4,and index sequence is derived from the index sequence type 410 and theindex sequence info 414 as described above.

The decoding logic 802 comprises any combination of hardware and/orsoftware and operates to receive the payload from the code packet 814.The decoding logic 802 also receives one or more of the code weight,value sequence, and index sequence from the code weight extraction logic804, value sequence logic 806, and index sequence logic 808,respectively. In one embodiment, the decoding logic 802 operates todecode data from the payload by reversing a coding scheme used to encodethe data. For example, the code weight, value sequence, and indexsequence describe how the data was linearly encoded and the decodinglogic 802 operates to reverse the described coding scheme to generatethe initial data. The decoding logic 802 may also operate using anysuitable technique to recover any lost code packets.

The data output logic 810 comprises any combination of hardware and/orsoftware and operates to receive decoded data from the decoding logic802 and output this data to other logic at the receiving device usingthe communication link 816.

In one embodiment, the coding system comprises one or more programinstructions (“program instructions”) stored on a computer-readablemedium, which when executed by at least one processor, for instance, thedecoding logic 802, provides the functions described herein. Forexample, the program instructions may be loaded into the decoder 800from a computer-readable media, such as a floppy disk, CDROM, memorycard, FLASH memory device, RAM, ROM, or any other type of memory deviceor computer-readable medium that interfaces to the decoder 800. Inanother embodiment, the instructions may be downloaded into the decoder800 from an external device or network resource. The programinstructions, when executed by the decoding logic 802, provideembodiments of a coding system as described herein.

As a result, embodiments of the coding system operate to receive dataand encode the data using a selected linear erasure scheme to producecode packets for transmission over a lossy transmission channel. Whenreceived at a receiving device, information from the packet header isextracted for use in decoding the data. Thus, embodiments of the codingsystem operate to provide a flexible and scalable coding system becausethe packet header describes the coding scheme for receiving devices.Thus, the receiving devices are able to decode any scheme that may beutilized by reversing the coding scheme described by the packet header.

FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of a method 900 for operating a decoder inembodiments of a coding system. For clarity, the method 900 is describedherein with reference to the decoder 800 shown in FIG. 8. For example,in one embodiment, the decoding logic 802 executes machine-readableinstructions to perform the functions described below.

At block 902, code packets are received at a receiving device. Forexample, the code packets may be received over a wireless transmissionchannel. In one embodiment, the code packets comprise a packet headerand packet payload.

At block 904, information is extracted from the packet header. Forexample, in one embodiment, the code weight extraction logic 804operates to extract a code weight parameter from the packet header. Thevalue sequence logic 806 operates to extract value sequence type (408)and value sequence info (410) parameters from the packet header. Theindex sequence logic 808 operates to extract index sequence type (412)and index sequence info (414) parameters from the packet header.

At block 906, an index sequence is determined. For example, in oneembodiment, the index sequence logic 808 operates to process the indexsequence type (412) and index sequence info (414) to determine the indexsequence.

At block 908, a value sequence is determined. For example, in oneembodiment, the value sequence logic 806 operates to process the valuesequence type (408) and value sequence info (410) to determine the valuesequence.

At block 910, the coded symbols in the code packet payload are decoded.For example, in one embodiment, the decoding logic 802 operates toutilize the index sequence and the value sequence to decode the payloadby reversing the encoding process used to encode the original data. As aresult, the original data is decoded from the code packet payload. Inone embodiment, the decoding logic 802 also operates to use any suitabletechnique to recover lost code packets. The method then proceeds toblock 902 to receive more code packets.

Thus, the method 900 operates to provide one embodiment of a codingsystem. It should be noted that the method 900 represents just oneimplementation and that other implementations are possible within thescope of the embodiments.

FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of an encoder 1000 for use in embodimentsof a coding system. For example, the encoder 1000 is suitable for use asthe encoder 114 shown in FIG. 1. The encoder 1000 comprises means forreceiving data 1002, means for determining a code weight 1004, means fordetermining an index sequence 1006, means for determining a valuesequence 1008, means for generating a packet header 1010, means fortransmitting a packet header and a payload as a code packet 1012. In oneor more embodiments, the means 1002 through 1012 comprise at least oneprocessor configured to provide embodiments of a coding system asdescribed herein.

FIG. 11 shows one embodiment of a decoder 1100 for use in embodiments ofa coding system. For example, the decoder 1100 is suitable for use asthe encoder 122 shown in FIG. 1. The decoder 1100 comprises means forreceiving a code packet 1102, means for obtaining a packet header and apayload 1104, means for determining a code weight 1106, means fordetermining an index sequence 1108, means for determining a valuesequence 1110, and means for decoding a payload 1112. In one or moreembodiments, the means 1102 through 1112 comprise at least one processorconfigured to provide embodiments of a coding system as describedherein.

The various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules, and circuitsdescribed in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may beimplemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digitalsignal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmablelogic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardwarecomponents, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functionsdescribed herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor,but, in the alternative, the processor may be any conventionalprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processormay also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., acombination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSPcore, or any other such configuration.

The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with theembodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in asoftware module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two.A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory,EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, aCD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Anexemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor, such that theprocessor can read information from, and write information to, thestorage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integralto the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in anASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, theprocessor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in auser terminal.

The description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable anyperson skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Variousmodifications to these embodiments may be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may beapplied to other embodiments, e.g., in an instant messaging service orany general wireless data communication applications, without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present inventionis not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is tobe accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novelfeatures disclosed herein. The word “exemplary” is used exclusivelyherein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Anyembodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

Accordingly, while embodiments of a coding system have been illustratedand described herein, it will be appreciated that various changes can bemade to the embodiments without departing from their spirit or essentialcharacteristics. Therefore, the disclosures and descriptions herein areintended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of theinvention, which is set forth in the following claims.

1. A method for encoding a set of data values into a code symbol, themethod comprising: determining an index sequence that defines selecteddata values to be used to generate the code symbol; determining a valuesequence that defines factors to be multiplied by the selected datavalues to generate the code symbol; and generating a packet header thatdescribes the index sequence and the value sequence.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: determining a code weight parameter thatdefines a total number of the data values to be used to generate thecode symbol; and including the code weight parameter in the packetheader.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining the indexsequence comprises determining the index sequence from one or more indexsequence types comprising linear, mapped, and LDGM sequence types. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein said determining the value sequencecomprises determining the value sequence from one or more value sequencetypes comprising constant, Reed-Solomon, and random value types.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising assembling the packet header andthe code symbol into a code packet.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising adjusting one or both of the index sequence and the valuesequence based an encoding selection parameter.
 7. Apparatus forencoding a set of data values into a code symbol, the apparatuscomprising: encoding logic configured to determine an index sequencethat defines selected data values to be used to generate the codesymbol, and to determine a value sequence that defines factors to bemultiplied by the selected data values to generate the code symbol; andoutput logic configured to generate a packet header that describes theindex sequence and value sequence.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, whereinsaid encoding logic is configured to determining a code weight parameterthat defines a total number of the data values to be used to generatethe code symbol.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said encodinglogic is configured to determine the index sequence from one or moreindex sequence types comprising linear, mapped, and LDGM sequence types.10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said encoding logic is configuredto determine the value sequence from one or more value sequence typescomprising constant, Reed-Solomon, and random value types.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein said output logic is configured toassemble the packet header and the code symbol into a code packet. 12.The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising code selection logicconfigured to adjust one or both of the index sequence and the valuesequence based an encoding selection parameter.
 13. Apparatus forencoding a set of data values into a code symbol, the apparatuscomprising: means for determining an index sequence that definesselected data values to be used to generate the code symbol; means fordetermining a value sequence that defines factors to be multiplied bythe selected data values to generate the code symbol; and means forgenerating a packet header that describes the index sequence and thevalue sequence.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: meansfor determining a code weight parameter that defines a total number ofthe data values to be used to generate the code symbol; and means forincluding the code weight parameter in the packet header.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein said means for determining the indexsequence comprises means for determining the index sequence from one ormore index sequence types comprising linear, mapped, and LDGM sequencetypes.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said means for determiningthe value sequence comprises means for determining the value sequencefrom one or more value sequence types comprising constant, Reed-Solomon,and random value types.
 17. The apparatus of claim 13, furthercomprising means for assembling the packet header and the code symbolinto a code packet.
 18. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprisingmeans for adjusting one or both of the index sequence and the valuesequence based an encoding selection parameter.
 19. A computer-readablemedium having a computer program, which when executed by at least oneprocessor, operates to encode a set of data values into a code symbol,the computer program comprising: instructions for determining an indexsequence that defines selected data values to be used to generate thecode symbol; instructions for determining a value sequence that definesfactors to be multiplied by the selected data values to generate thecode symbol; and instructions for generating a packet header thatdescribes the index sequence and the value sequence.
 20. The computerprogram of claim 19, further comprising: instructions for determining acode weight parameter that defines a total number of the data values tobe used to generate the code symbol; and instructions for including thecode weight parameter in the packet header.
 21. The computer program ofclaim 19, wherein said instructions for determining the index sequencecomprise instructions for determining the index sequence from one ormore index sequence types comprising linear, mapped, and LDGM sequencetypes.
 22. The computer program of claim 19, wherein said instructionsfor determining the value sequence comprise instructions for determiningthe value sequence from one or more value sequence types comprisingconstant, Reed-Solomon, and random value types.
 23. The computer programof claim 19, further comprising instructions for assembling the packetheader and the code symbol into a code packet.
 24. The computer programof claim 19, further comprising instructions for adjusting one or bothof the index sequence and the value sequence based an encoding selectionparameter.
 25. At least one processor configured to perform a method forencoding a set of data values into a code symbol, the method comprising:determining an index sequence that defines selected data values to beused to generate the code symbol; determining a value sequence thatdefines factors to be multiplied by the selected data values to generatethe code symbol; and generating a packet header that describes the indexsequence and the value sequence.
 26. The method of claim 25, furthercomprising: determining a code weight parameter that defines a totalnumber of the data values to be used to generate the code symbol; andincluding the code weight parameter in the packet header.
 27. The methodof claim 25, wherein said determining the index sequence comprisesdetermining the index sequence from one or more index sequence typescomprising linear, mapped, and LDGM sequence types.
 28. The method ofclaim 25, wherein said determining the value sequence comprisesdetermining the value sequence from one or more value sequence typescomprising constant, Reed-Solomon, and random value types.
 29. Themethod of claim 25, further comprising assembling the packet header andthe code symbol into a code packet.
 30. The method of claim 25, furthercomprising adjusting one or both of the index sequence and the valuesequence based an encoding selection parameter.
 31. A method fordecoding a code packet into a set of data values, the method comprising:obtaining a packet header and a packet payload from the code packet;determining an index sequence and a value sequence from the packetheader; and decoding the packet payload based on the index sequence andthe value sequence to produce the set of data values.
 32. The method ofclaim 31, further comprising extracting one or more of a code weightparameter, value sequence parameters, and index sequence parameters fromthe packet header.
 33. The method of claim 32, further comprisingprocessing one or more of the code weight parameter, the value sequenceparameters, and the index sequence parameters to determine the indexsequence and the value sequence.
 34. The method of claim 31, whereinsaid decoding comprises reversing a linear coding scheme described bythe index sequence and the value sequence to decode the payload toproduce the set of data values.
 35. Apparatus for decoding a code packetinto a set of data values, the apparatus comprising: extraction logicconfigured to obtain a packet header and a packet payload from the codepacket; index sequence logic configured to determine an index sequencefrom the packet header; value sequence logic configured to determine avalue sequence from the packet header; and decoding logic configured todecode the packet payload based on the index sequence and the valuesequence to produce the set of data values.
 36. The apparatus of claim35, further comprising logic configured to extract one or more of a codeweight parameter, value sequence parameters, and index sequenceparameters from the packet header.
 37. The apparatus of claim 36,further comprising logic configured to process one or more of the codeweight parameter, the value sequence parameters, and the index sequenceparameters to determine the index sequence and the value sequence. 38.The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said decoding logic is configured toreverse a linear coding scheme described by the index sequence and thevalue sequence to decode the payload to produce the set of data values.39. Apparatus for decoding a code packet into a set of data values, theapparatus comprising: means for obtaining a packet header and a packetpayload from the code packet; means for determining an index sequenceand a value sequence from the packet header; and means for decoding thepacket payload based on the index sequence and the value sequence toproduce the set of data values.
 40. The apparatus of claim 39, furthercomprising means for extracting one or more of a code weight parameter,value sequence parameters, and index sequence parameters from the packetheader.
 41. The apparatus of claim 40, further comprising means forprocessing one or more of the code weight parameter, the value sequenceparameters, and the index sequence parameters to determine the indexsequence and the value sequence.
 42. The apparatus of claim 39, whereinsaid means for decoding comprises means for reversing a linear codingscheme described by the index sequence and the value sequence to decodethe payload to produce the set of data values.
 43. A computer-readablemedium having a computer program, which when executed by at least oneprocessor, operates to decode a code packet to produce a set of datavalues, the computer program comprising: instructions for obtaining apacket header and a packet payload from the code packet; instructionsfor determining an index sequence and a value sequence from the packetheader; and instructions for decoding the packet payload based on theindex sequence and the value sequence to produce the set of data values.44. The computer program of claim 43, further comprising instructionsfor extracting one or more of a code weight parameter, value sequenceparameters, and index sequence parameters from the packet header. 45.The computer program of claim 44, further comprising instructions forprocessing one or more of the code weight parameter, the value sequenceparameters, and the index sequence parameters to determine the indexsequence and the value sequence.
 46. The computer program of claim 43,wherein said instructions for decoding comprise instructions forreversing a linear coding scheme described by the index sequence and thevalue sequence to decode the payload to produce the set of data values.47. At least one processor configured to perform a method for decoding acode packet into a set of data values, the method comprising: obtaininga packet header and a packet payload from the code packet; determiningan index sequence and a value sequence from the packet header; anddecoding the packet payload based on the index sequence and the valuesequence to produce the set of data values.
 48. The method of claim 47,further comprising extracting one or more of a code weight parameter,value sequence parameters, and index sequence parameters from the packetheader.
 49. The method of claim 48, further comprising processing one ormore of the code weight parameter, the value sequence parameters, andthe index sequence parameters to determine the index sequence and thevalue sequence.
 50. The method of claim 47, wherein said decodingcomprises reversing a linear coding scheme described by the indexsequence and the value sequence to decode the payload to produce the setof data values.